[Publib] Association of Rural and Small Libraries

[Susan Hill]

CLARION, PA - A new direction is being charted for the Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ASRL). Professionals from throughout the country met in late January on a mission to identify challenges facing library staff working in rural and small libraries and how the ASRL could address these issues. This organization is redefining its mission, priorities and direction and plans to partner with a number of national groups and organizations in order to address identified needs. 

            The need for a formal association for this large group of underrepresented library staff is vital. According to the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship (Clarion, PA), approximately 80% of all libraries serve a population of 25,000 or less. However, historically there have been no real avenues for these rural libraries to participate in the traditional library organizations because of: dues cost restrictions (of ALA/PLA); cost to travel to national conferences; and little continuing education of interest available at the national venues. (Presenters do not often "speak the language" of those working in rural and small libraries.)

New priorities for the ASRL were identified by the group included: the association becoming an independent, self-funded non-profit organization with a strong board and staff; a consistent membership system be developed; that rural publications be provided as part of the ASRL membership; that 100% of the membership have high-speed access to the association's online; and that the ARSL brings real value to rural libraries, including innovation, fresh ideas and practical strategies.

Involved the two day strategic planning summit were: Dr. Bernard Vavrek, Director Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship (PA); Jim Malzewski, Project Coordinator, Rural Library Sustainability Project, WebJunction (WA); John Philip, Library Services Consultant (OH); Don Reynolds, Director, Nolichucky Regional Library (TN); Susan Hill, Editor, Rural Library Services Newsletter, Director, Paulding County Carnegie Library (OH); Ken Davenport, Consultant, NE Iowa Library Service Area; Carla Lehn, Library Development Services, Rural Library Initiative, California State Library; James Rancillio, Director, Sanford Memorial Library (MI); Emily Parker, Program Officer, U.S. Library Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (WA); Rebecca Miller, Executive Editor, Features & Web, Library Journal (NY); Becky Heil, Director, Dubuque County Library System (IA); Patty Hector, Deputy Director North Bay (CA) Cooperative Library System; and Mary Pasek Williams, Director, Towanda (IL) District Library.

For more information about the Association of Rural and Small Libraries contact Don Reynolds at 423-586-6251 or don.Reynolds at state.tn.us.
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Susan N. Hill
Director: Paulding County Carnegie Library
Editor: Rural Library Services Newsletter
VOTE! Candidate:  2007 ALA Councilor-At-Large VOTE!
205 S. Main Street   Paulding, Ohio 45879
Voice: 419-399-2032   Fax: 419-399-2114
Web:www.pauldingcountylibrary.org
E-mail: shill at pauldingcountylibrary.org
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